The opening ceremony of the 13th "Silk Road: Artists' Rendezvous" Renowned Arab Artists' Workshop in China was held on July 2, taking place at the Quanzhou Maritime Museum, in East China's Fujian province.

It displayed 46 joint masterworks by Arab and Chinese artists, crafted during a recent cultural exchange.

From June 18 to July 3, visiting artists from nations including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Morocco creatively immersed themselves in Quanzhou, once dubbed the "First Port in the East" during the Song (960–1279) and Yuan (1271–1368) dynasties.

Inspired by its bustling culinary scene, intricate traditional zanhua floral headdresses and centuries-old interfaith legacy, they produced 24 original works alongside contributions from Quanzhou-based creators.

Mediums ranged from bold oils to delicate ink-wash scrolls, capturing vivid depictions of timeworn lanes, seaside vistas and age-old traditions.

A highlight of the exhibit is an expansive 10-meters canvas co-painted by over 20 participants, celebrating the shared cultural heritage of the Maritime Silk Road.

"Quanzhou's zanhua, architecture and religious diversity left a deep impression on me," said Moroccan artist Firdaous Alami, whose work incorporates elements like Yongchuan incense, originally introduced from Arabia but innovatively adapted in Quanzhou.

"The incense and surrounding religious symbols represent cultural exchange and harmony," the artist said.

Walid Qanoush, head of the Fine Arts Sector at Egypt's Ministry of Culture, noted that the 15-day exchange fostered mutual understanding.

"This event bridges Arab and Chinese civilizations, allowing us to learn from each other and grow together," he said.

Since 2009, China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism has organized the "Silk Road: Artists' Rendezvous" program, inviting over 180 Arab artists to China. Their 500-plus artworks, spanning paintings, sculptures and ceramics, stand as testaments to enduring friendship.